Digital Magnifiers (Held Magnifying Glasses) For Low Vision

Hand-held magnifiers can be a great asset for low vision patients on the go, and provide more features than traditional handheld magnifying glasses used by low vision patients.

Advantages of Handheld Digital Magnifiers for Low Vision

There are plenty of low vision devices available for patients who need them. However, many can be bulky and expensive. For patients who only require additional vision aid for certain tasks, small handheld magnifiers can be a great tool while out and about. For example, if one is at a store and needs to read something too small for them to make out on a label, or at a restaurant and needs to read something on a menu, it’s easy to just pull out.

Additionally, since handheld magnifiers essentially function like the magnifying glasses we’re all familiar with (just being electronic instead of manual), there really isn’t any challenge to learning how to use them. Being digital and having a screen, they have built-in illumination so you can use them even in a darker environment such as a restaurant with dim lighting.

Digital magnifiers have the additional benefit of being able to magnify more text than a simple magnifier held over text, and may allow you to scroll on the screen, or adjust for contrast.

Hand-held digital magnifiers also come in a range of sizes, shapes, and strengths, and may offer different features, so a patient can choose a model that works best for them to make it more comfortable to do things like read small text.

Disadvantages of Handheld Magnifiers for Low Vision

Due to the fact that they are handheld, they can become tiring to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, since they’re handheld, they can be difficult to hold steady, and some adjustment may be necessary to ensure they are at the right distance to provide optimal magnification, which can make using them more challenging to use.

If your magnifier doesn’t have a built-in light, it can catch reflections or shadows, and make things harder to read. Also, since these magnifiers tend to be small, if you don’t hold them close to your eyes you’ll have a smaller field of view, which can make reading things like labels take longer.

How Do I Get A Handheld Digital Vision Magnifier?

Handheld vision magnifiers can be freely purchased online. However, it is highly recommended to speak with a doctor and to have a comprehensive vision exam first. This will help you better understand what you need in a vision magnifier, and the doctor will be able to make a recommendation based on their evaluation of your vision and knowledge of the features offered by various models.

Summary

While they have their limitations, handheld digital magnifiers can be a great portable low vision aid for patients. However, it is advised for you to first see a doctor for a vision evaluation, to ensure you make the best purchase for your needs. If you are experiencing low vision and are interested in a handheld digital magnifier, you can contact Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach at (562) 925-6591 to schedule an appointment for a consultation or to ask any additional questions. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.